The Illegitimate Claim by Lorie O'Clare Read Free Book Online Page A

squealed, literally jumped free of them, and ran down the stairs in front of
    them. The two men followed, laughing loudly at what one might think was a good joke.
     
    Ana realized, as she entered the kitchen and interrupted the evening nanny and
    Poli chatting over cups of coffee, that she’d made the servants more aware of their
    presence by her slight outburst. The two men strolled in behind her, and Gilroy draped
    his arm around Ana’s shoulder and yanked her into his broad chest. Andru simply
     
    brushed his fingers across hers as she held her hand out to balance herself.
     
    “Wine, Poli,” Andru said jovially. “We need more Gothman wine.”
     
    “Of course, m’lord.” Poli nodded her head respectfully as she backed toward the
     
    pantry. “Welcome home, m’lord.”
     
    The men chatted nonsense as they left the house, escorting Ana between them. They
    continued their charade until they were well out of earshot. Once again, Ana pulled free
    and hurried to her glider.
     
    “Drink.” Gilroy held the large jug of wine up to Ana’s lips and she looked up at
     
    him in protest.
     
    “Gilroy, I can’t drink that stuff very well.” Ana shook her head.
     
    “And everyone knows that. Now drink.” He lifted the jug to her lips, until she was
    forced to take it into her own hands so he wouldn’t pour the blood-red liquid down her
    sleeveless black shirt.
     
    “I think we would be best off to surround ourselves with several more reliable
    accomplices.” Gilroy’s voice suddenly grew quite serious.
     
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    Lorie O’Clare
     
    Andru’s jovial look disappeared as well, and he returned the serious stare. “Who do
    you have in mind?”
     
    “I was thinking of Syra, my lord.” Gilroy took the jug from Ana, easily downed
    several large swallows and then passed it to Andru.
     
    “Good call. She’s already aware of the circumstances.” Andru drank from the jug
    and then wiped his lips with the back of his hand.
     
    “And, like Beel, she has no rank, other than Lord Torgo’s claim. She can come and
    go easily if need be.” Gilroy climbed onto Ana’s glider behind her, as Andru held the
    jug up to her lips.
     
    “What is your call on Torgo?” Andru’s voice showed all the seriousness of their
    conversation.
     
    Ana glanced his way, allowing more of the rich liquid to slide down her throat. She
    didn’t miss the lust in his eyes as he looked back at her.
     
    “His loyalty to his brother is strong. I say we consult with Syra on the matter.”
    Gilroy’s breath tickled Ana’s ear.
     
    Andru nodded then squeezed Ana’s leg. He strolled over to his glider, and hollered
    to them that he’d meet them at the house. Gilroy took off quickly and Ana fell back into
    him as he accelerated. His arm went around her in a death grip and instantly his hand
    slid under her shirt to fondle her breast.
     
    “I’ve missed you terribly, my lady,” he whispered, and his voice suddenly sounded
    rough.
     
    She leaned her head back, and kissed his chin, as he teased her nipple in between
    his finger and thumb. “This isn’t the type of homecoming I planned for you.”
     
    “I’ll see to it that you have the opportunity to show me the type of homecoming
    you did have planned.” His voice was no more than a growl.
     
    She chuckled softly, feeling rather warm from the wine she’d drank, and turned
    herself around in front of Gilroy so she could cuddle into him. He groaned and brushed
    her hair with his lips as his hand moved from one breast to the other.
     
    Gilroy drove slowly, and Andru was already out by the garage with a large mug in
    his hand, laughing loudly with some of his soldiers, when they arrived. Ana didn’t
    have to pretend to stagger as they walked across the yard. She tripped in the darkness
    several times. Gilroy always managed to catch her, and keep her upright. He also
    continued to offer her sips from the jug, which she now took easier.
     
    “Is this any way to treat